Playoff implications: RSL clinch; Revs, Houston out

Another game has gone by at Rio Tinto and Real Salt Lake are still unbeaten at home. But this game was special – by extending the streak in Sandy, Utah, RSL have officially clinched a playoff berth.

Real Salt Lake have 48 points, a total that only ninth-place Kansas City Wizards can match. RSL have the head-to-head tiebreaker clinched over the Wizards, though, with a 1-0-1 record. The reigning champs will now officially begin their title defense, joining the LA Galaxy in the playoffs.

It was a less joyful weekend for the Houston Dynamo and the New England Revolution, who will now spend the postseason watching from their couches. Despite defeating D.C. United 3-1, the Dynamo vindicated head coach Dominic Kinnear, who famously proclaimed the season over after a 2-1 defeat last week to Toronto FC.

The Revs, meanwhile, will be particularly disappointed – especially given they could only manage a tie against the East-leading Columbus Crew on Saturday after going up a 2-0 in the first half.

The playoff hunt continues this week, and several more teams’ fates can be decided. If the Wizards fail to win in New York this weekend, the Crew can clinch with a victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. But Columbus can also clinch with a tie if the Wizards lose to the Red Bulls.

FC Dallas’ playoff scenario is simpler: Win and you’re in. Even if the Hoops tie the Chicago Fire this weekend, though, a result by New York against the Wizards would put FCD into the postseason.

Meanwhile, Chivas USA and Toronto FC will be aiming to avoid elimination this weekend. The Goats can be eliminated before they even take the field for Sunday’s SuperClásico if the Sounders, Quakes and Rapids all win their matches. Even if Chivas manage to hold out until Sunday, they will still need a win against the Galaxy to stay alive.

The Reds are in less dire straits than the Red-and-White, but if Toronto lose in Seattle and the Quakes and Rapids both win, Canada’s team will be officially eliminated from postseason contention.